Gas Flaring in Akwa Ibom: A Silent Threat to Residents’ Health and Environment

Gas flaring in Akwa Ibom State has become a significant concern, with residents suffering from various health issues and environmental degradation. The practice, carried out by major oil companies, including Seplat Energy, ExxonMobil, and Universal Energy, has transformed once peaceful communities into pollution hotspots.

Health Impacts

• Blindness and Skin Rashes: Residents of Inua Eyet Ikot community are experiencing worrisome health conditions, including blindness and skin rashes, due to prolonged exposure to gas flaring and oil spills.
• Respiratory Issues: The air pollution caused by gas flaring can lead to respiratory problems, further exacerbating the health crisis in the region.
• Reproductive Health Concerns: Women in the affected areas are experiencing irregular menstruation, while men are struggling with erectile dysfunction.

Environmental Degradation

• Water Pollution: Oil spills and gas flaring have poisoned rivers and coastal waters, leading to a significant decline in fish populations and affecting the livelihoods of local fishermen.
• Loss of Biodiversity: The persistent environmental degradation threatens the ecosystem, with many species facing extinction due to habitat destruction and pollution.

Government Response

• Clampdown on Environmental Violations: The Akwa Ibom State Government has intensified its efforts to curb oil spillage and gas flaring, with the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources announcing a profiling exercise to verify the environmental compliance of oil and gas companies.
• Demand for Compensation: The Ibom Peoples’ Empowerment and Ecosystem Restoration Foundation (Ibom PEER Foundation) has demanded remediation and compensation from Seplat Energy for the affected communities.

Call to Action
Residents and environmental groups are calling for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations and greater transparency from oil companies operating in the region. The demand for environmental justice and accountability is growing, with many urging the government to take decisive action to address the issue.